The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed the State Government to stop using Bharat Nirman Volunteers in the election-related activities while acting on complaints lodged by the Opposition parties in this regard.
“We have directed the Government that volunteers would not be used for election activities,” said Election Commissioners HS Brahma and Dr Nasim Zaidi at a Press meet here after holding a meeting with representatives of eight political parties and senior Government officials here.
The BJP had urged the Commission to take action in this regard. “The districts Collectors were instructed to utilise these volunteers to pull more and more people to the booths. In the name of persuading people to cast their votes, volunteers have been allegedly trained to highlight the achievements and schemes of the Naveen Patnaik Government,” the BJP had alleged.
Brahma informed that the political parties brought allegations of partisan conduct against three district Collectors during electioneering and sought action against them. However, he did not reveal the names of these Collectors, except of Khordha.
“Some political parties have alleged that three district collectors are not conducting elections fairly and urged to ensure take necessary action. We will do further inquiry into the matter and then decide on the next course of actions,” said Brahma.
As the political parties raised security issues in the Maoists-affected areas, he said adequate security will be provided to the candidates during campaign so that they can move freely.
A delegation of the State BJP which had met the commissioners had alleged that the sudden spurt of the volunteer force from 5,000 in January to 48,000 in March raises many questions.
Besides, it alleged that ‘108 Ambulance Services’ are allegedly being used to carry currency notes for the ruling BJD party all over the State. The delegation asked the observers to keep vigil on these and police vehicles which too are being utilised for the same purpose. Senior police officials, including the Special DG Sanjeev Marik and Amitav Thakur are actively involved in helping the ruling party in a subtle manner, it alleged.
It also termed the matter of State’s recommendation to the Centre for approving Pl for Khandadhar iron ore mines to Posco India as a violation of the model code of conduct.The party too demanded that the BDO of Suliapada block be transferred soon for allegedly propagating State Government’s projects at SHG meeting. Similarly, it opposed to the extension of Naba Kumar Nayak, Nodal Officer in the State Election Office.
“It is a blatant and flagrant violation, done at the instance of the ruling party. The BJP strongly expresses its displeasure and demands the removal of the biased official,” the party delegation said.